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Pope Francis writes letter to President Putin of Russia ahead of G20 summit

05/09/2013

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(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has written a letter to President Vladimir Putin of
Russia as he prepares to host this year's G20 summit in St. Petersburg. Listen to
Lydia O'Kane's report

Below is the full text of the Pope's letter to President Putin.

To
His ExcellencyMr Vladimir PutinPresident of the Russian Federation

"In
the course of this year, you have the honour and the responsibility of presiding over
the Group of the twenty largest economies in the world. I am aware that the Russian
Federation has participated in this group from the moment of its inception and has
always had a positive role to play in the promotion of good governance of the world’s
finances, which have been deeply affected by the crisis of 2008.In today’s highly
interdependent context, a global financial framework with its own just and clear rules
is required in order to achieve a more equitable and fraternal world, in which it
is possible to overcome hunger, ensure decent employment and housing for all, as well
as essential healthcare. Your presidency of the G20 this year has committed itself
to consolidating the reform of the international financial organizations and to achieving
a consensus on financial standards suited to today’s circumstances. However, the
world economy will only develop if it allows a dignified way of life for all human
beings, from the eldest to the unborn child, not just for citizens of the G20 member
states but for every inhabitant of the earth, even those in extreme social situations
or in the remotest places. From this standpoint, it is clear that, for the world’s
peoples, armed conflicts are always a deliberate negation of international harmony,
and create profound divisions and deep wounds which require many years to heal. Wars
are a concrete refusal to pursue the great economic and social goals that the international
community has set itself, as seen, for example, in the Millennium Development Goals.
Unfortunately, the many armed conflicts which continue to afflict the world today
present us daily with dramatic images of misery, hunger, illness and death. Without
peace, there can be no form of economic development. Violence never begets peace,
the necessary condition for development. The meeting of the Heads of State and
Government of the twenty most powerful economies, with two-thirds of the world’s population
and ninety per cent of global GDP, does not have international security as its principal
purpose. Nevertheless, the meeting will surely not forget the situation in the Middle
East and particularly in Syria. It is regrettable that, from the very beginning of
the conflict in Syria, one-sided interests have prevailed and in fact hindered the
search for a solution that would have avoided the senseless massacre now unfolding.
The leaders of the G20 cannot remain indifferent to the dramatic situation of the
beloved Syrian people which has lasted far too long, and even risks bringing greater
suffering to a region bitterly tested by strife and needful of peace. To the leaders
present, to each and every one, I make a heartfelt appeal for them to help find ways
to overcome the conflicting positions and to lay aside the futile pursuit of a military
solution. Rather, let there be a renewed commitment to seek, with courage and determination,
a peaceful solution through dialogue and negotiation of the parties, unanimously supported
by the international community. Moreover, all governments have the moral duty to
do everything possible to ensure humanitarian assistance to those suffering because
of the conflict, both within and beyond the country’s borders. Mr President, in
the hope that these thoughts may be a valid spiritual contribution to your meeting,
I pray for the successful outcome of the G20’s work on this occasion. I invoke an
abundance of blessings upon the Summit in Saint Petersburg, upon the participants
and the citizens of the member states, and upon the work and efforts of the 2013 Russian
Presidency of the G20. While requesting your prayers, I take this opportunity
to assure you, Mr President, of my highest consideration."